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[forethinking]

This is Ren Amamiya. Can't come to the phone. Leave a message.

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[forethinking]

(That cigarette is burnt and gone, and Ren tosses the butt of it into the ashtray and stretches his arms before he stands. He does have quite a battle ahead of him - getting the fake nails out, the wig properly stored, the dress in the laundry bin...

Unlike Akechi, the makeup on his face is the least of his concerns. What is it going to do, become permanent on his skin? He'd look fabulous for life.

When Akechi returns, he'll find the usual scene of Ren in his boxers in bed, snuggling against a pillow that he koala-wrapped against.)

[simulatio]

[There's honestly something almost comforting about applying a few drops of serum and massaging a light moisturizer into his face before bed. A tiny gesture of normalcy, if nothing else, a relaxing routine before crawling into bed with the most important person in his life.

The frown that curves his lips when he exits the bathroom and sees Ren in bed, apparently fully prepared to smear lipstick and foundation into his sheets, threatens to undo all that hard work.]

If you needed the bathroom, you could have just asked. I'm not washing my sheets because you stained them.

[With makeup, anyway.]

[forethinking]

It's not going to stain. The lady put a magic spray on it.

(Whatever the fuck that was. Honestly, everything about the time he spent in that chair is a blur-- all he remembers, faintly, is the lady saying that no force on Earth would make his makeup smear, and she wouldn't lie to him, would she?)

I'll take it out tomorrow.

[simulatio]

Setting spray, [he corrects, exhaling through his nose with irritation. How Ren can be so emotionally insightful, and yet absolutely oblivious, will forever be beyond him. There is a vindictive part of him that wants to let Ren sleep in his makeup, just to experience how fucking shitty it is to wake up with it caked on, but after what they'd just went through together... well.] You'll clog your pores and dry out your lips. Come on.

[It's an order, Akechi resting one hand on his hip, the other crooking a finger in a firm "come here" motion.]

[forethinking]

Magic thing.

(He corrects, excuse him, he knows what he said-- and everything Akechi says afterwards doesn't really make sense to Ren, unfortunately. The boy never really had a pimple to begin with, why would he care about clogged pores when his skin is just Protagonist Perfect and lip balm exists, etc?

Like a cat, he stretches in bed, as if he was summoning courage to stand up and move to Akechi, a pout on scarlet lips.)

[simulatio]

Idiot, [he reiterates with a roll of his eyes. It feels weirdly fragile to act as if everything has just gone back to normal, like he's clutching frantically at straws to say that yes, they're fine now. But isn't that all life is, really? Pretending that everything is fine until one day, perhaps, the scars do truly fade?

He clears space for Ren to take a seat on the counter and pours some makeup remover into a cotton pad. He's all business, as if perhaps if he pretends hard enough, Ren can't see the residual redness in his eyes from the earlier tears. His fingers take Ren's chin in a firm grip, but there's an obvious gentleness, almost reverence, in the way he swipes the the cotton pad across Ren's skin.]

[forethinking]

It's cold.

(And it causes him to giggle as Akechi works on removing all the layers of makeup upon his face. It's ticklish too, he might add. Ren's fine, and he's glad that Akechi at least still has it in him to call him an idiot after what they've just gone through.

Life is change, things are not everlasting in a perfect still manner, and yet, Ren wishes that the banter would remain. Witproximityoximity, Ren can see each of Akechi's flaws up close, and truly, before he can stop himself, his lips move without his willing them to:)

You're so beautiful.

[simulatio]

Don't whine.

[It's a gentle chide without any heat behind it as Akechi slides himself between Ren's legs and uses his grip on Ren's chin to turn his head this way and that. He's not only removing makeup, but also using it as a real, tangible way to feel Ren's skin beneath his fingers, to confirm to himself that he's here, he's fine and not physically injured. The pad lingers only a moment over the center of Ren's forehead, and he leans forward as if he might kiss that spot.

Then Ren opens his stupid mouth again to say something ridiculous, and all Akechi can do is laugh, gently shoving Ren's head back with the cotton pad as if to punish him.]

You're delirious, [he dismisses, even as his cheeks flush a light pink with pleased embarrassment.] Keep your mouth shut unless you want to find out if this tastes as good as it smells.

[Spoiler: it doesn't as he swaps out the dirty cotton pad for a fresh one and switches to a different makeup remover to get to work on the lipstick.]

[forethinking]

(The tickling aside, this feels very nice. It's like a little massage on his face, and Ren all but vibrates with how happy all this caressing is making him, the smile almost too big for his face as he receives it.

He doesn't take it as punishment, but he doesn't get the chance to say anything else as Akechi works on removing the red from his lips. He patiently waits until Akechi's done, before his smile turns into something insufferable, and he puts his hands on freshly washed cheeks and saying it AGAIN.

No fear of death in this man.)

I think you're beautiful. I'll tell you again tomorrow.

[simulatio]

[Tomorrow. What a concept. The idea of waking up tomorrow, not from a nightmare of dying, but simply waking up from a dreamless sleep in Ren's arms... it feels distant enough to be nothing more than an unachievable fantasy, but it's one he'd like to hope for.

He leans in and gently kisses Ren's lips, in spite of the taste of the still-drying makeup remover. He sighs an exhale as he presses his forehead to Ren's and closes his eyes, cherishing the closeness for a moment in spite of their mutual exhaustion.]

I'm going to put some moisturizer on your skin to rebalance the oils the makeup remover stripped off, [he murmurs, drawing back slightly with some difficulty to fetch the bottle. There's something deeply funny to him about the way he massages the lotion between his fingers to warm it as if it were lube before starting to apply it to Ren's face in gentle sweeps.]

[forethinking]

(Watch as Ren makes that fantasy reality, ready to tell Akechi first thing in the morning just how beautiful the man in his arms truly is. Deep down, Ren knows Akechi will never truly listen, but he finds it that the more he says it, the more the other might at least accept that he believes what he says.

Arms close around Akechi's slender figure, kisses this close from deepening the kiss and still craving for contact when they part. His hand circles around his back, stopping between Akechi's shoulder blades where he caress.

Ah, that movement he's making? Ren's very acquainted with it, and while he could not truly grasp a word of what Akechi's said, he's more than interested-- ah, it's for his face? He should have paid attention, and he snorts at the exchange.)

It's been a while since I've seen you do that motion. If I weren't dead, you'd see something.

[simulatio]

I didn't want to hear you bitch about it being cold. Insufferable.

[It's said defensively, and he jabs his fingers into Ren's cheek in punishment before smoothing it away with a gentle touch. For once, though, he appreciates that Ren is as tired as he is, though; there's no way he'd be up for anything in bed right now other than sleep.

Moisturizer applied, Akechi allows himself one more kiss to Ren's lips before stepping away decisively to wash his hands.]

There. I hope you appreciate that.

[forethinking]

(Okay, the combination of everything does lead Ren to laugh out loud, only interrupting it to kiss Akechi's lips once he's close enough, squeezing the man a little with his arms before he sneaks a kiss on his jaw - believe it or not, innocently.)

Thank you, honey.

(And once Akechi is no longer within reach, Ren allows the monster yawn to leave him, stretching once again much like a kitty before he sneaks his way to bed. It's cold, and it's a way to thank him if he manages to get it warm enough by the time Akechi comes back. He is, after all, a human heater.)

[simulatio]

[With Ren safely out of the bathroom, Akechi finally allows himself an exhausted sigh, resting both hands on the counter and looking himself in the mirror. Ren said beautiful, but he feels anything but with the obvious bags under his eyes, the telltale itching threatening a breakout, the few stray untamed hairs from his eyebrows... something to deal with tomorrow. For now, he just shakes his head at himself and ventures back into the bedroom, crawling into the bed beside the other boy.

It's almost scary to think about going back to sleep, after everything, even with Ren there. Even still, he allows himself to curl up beside him, wrapping an arm gently around his waist and resting his head on his shoulder.]

...Thank you, Ren, [he murmurs finally, something he should have said a long time ago.]

[forethinking]

(In the meantime, Ren has all but drifted off to sleep. It's been tiring, and after gathering all the strength he could muster to strut his way back into ADI's, there's not much left. Ren's body heat has made the bed not unlike paradise, inviting, welcoming...

But there's something much better that comes. It's Akechi, with his arm around him and his head on Ren's shoulder, too close to his heart not to hear it beating for him. )
You're welcome.

(All the love he feels is poured into the kiss he presses on Akechi's forehead, lingering and allowing himself to get lost in the other boy for a second. The coolness of his skin, the fragrance of his skincare, his shampoo... Ren can't help but wrap an arm around him to bring him closer. He's too goddamn tired, and he's cursing the world inside that head of his, because all he wants to do is to worship Akechi how he deserves, to kiss every patch of skin, caress the soft skin, show him just how beautiful Ren finds him.)

Good night, beautiful.

[conning]

He gestures to one of the bogie rakes, a little may I?, before picking it up and turning the little tool over in his hands. "Not a bad piece. Too light if you're hoping to get access to something behind a lock thicker than your average front door--and I recommend surgical steel over traditional stainless."

He points to a tiny, chipped edge with his pinkie. "More durable. This is going to start catching on you, if you're not careful."

Does that answer your question, Joker?

[forethinking]

Oh. There we go. Now the whole China knows you're both thieves. Ren laughs in good spirits, even if he is still a little shaken at the reveal. A big part of him wants to explain that he doesn't actually steal, it's heists he pulls that take place inside a person's heart, but also, how to not sound insane saying these things without prompting?

"I'm making them not to lose the habit of it. I have a favorite."

And from his drawer, he pulls a permapick, as known as a perfectly durable, fine-looking lockpick from home. Good times.

[simulatio]

Men prefer to be called handsome, you know, [he mumbles grumpily, pinching the other boy's skin in punishment. That's the only gripe he has, though, and honestly Ren is fully within his rights to call him far worse things. He sighs against the other boy's shoulder and closes his eyes, allowing himself to finally start to relax into him.

Things aren't even close to okay, let alone perfect. But it's a start. Assuming they can just make it to tomorrow, that's a start.]

[forethinking]

(Okay, that makes Ren giggle-- did this motherfucker just bring gender roles to a man who had been in a dress not too long ago? Ren'd love it to be called beautiful, excuse him!! But it's fine.

With his leg wrapping around Akechi's, Ren finds comfort in their embrace, finally letting the well-deserved slumber take him far from this world.

He'll tell Akechi just how wonderful he is tomorrow, he promises himself.)

[simulatio]

[Akechi doesn't often wake up feeling rested or refreshed, but when his alarm starts blaring it's cheerful(?) tune, he slaps it once to silence it and extricates himself from Ren's grip. Sure, it's tempting to just stay in bed with the other man (boyfriend, Ren had said, but that still feels at once too tentative, and not nearly strong enough of a label), especially in the wake of weeks of poor sleep, but he has a routine, damn it. If he could wake up every morning to bike, jog, or go bouldering before a TV shoot, he's not going to let something like a little exhaustion and fatigue stop him now. Besides, it gives him time to think.

When he returns, it's as quietly as possible to avoid waking his roommates. He leaves a travel container of coffees from a local shop on the counter, along with a selection of the most popular pastries an equally-as-exhausted looking clerk recommended. Just as quietly, he lets himself back into his room, leaves a cup of coffee and a small paper bag on his desk, and resumes his normal morning routine as if Ren weren't even there.

Eventually he has to stop putting it off and ventures out from the bathroom, towel around his waist, hair still damp from a basic consideration not to start blow drying it until Ren was awake. He hesitates for a long moment, watching the other boy sleep, before finally venturing over and pressing a knee into the bed. The kiss he leans over and presses to the other boy's forehead is uncharacteristically soft, the touch he presses to his cheek is surprisingly gentle, but hopefully it's enough to wake him up.]

[forethinking]

(Tired doesn't really come close to explaining the exhaustion that Ren has been feeling - although he reckons everyone must be going through the same dragging mood after so long without proper sleep. It helps to sleep next to Akechi, though.

Ren wraps himself around the man, allows him to hear his tranquil heartbeat before they fall into slumber. For a couple that tends to get into discussions ever so often, and serious ones at that, it's always nice to know that they're together at the end of the day. Breathing in the same pace, holding each other's hand.

While Akechi keeps his busy morning routine, Ren doesn't have it in him right now to follow. The bed is too comfortable, and even in his sleep, Ren lets out a sigh of displeasure once he feels the weight of the other man dissipate on the mattress. It's worth waiting for Akechi to return, though. A kiss, a touch, and Ren's awake with a smile that might as well blind, an arm wrapping around the boy's waist before he presses a kiss to his close cheek.)

Hey, honey.

[simulatio]

Good morning.

[It's a murmur, accompanied by a ghost of a smile that doesn't even try to compete with Ren's for brightness, but it's there nonetheless. A soft hand trails down Ren's cheek and cups it gently, even as wine-red eyes study Ren's face for any hint of lingering trauma or disquiet that could have accompanied a nightmare.

The sun is bright outside, but it had seemed bright more than once during the events of last month. He needs to know that Ren is truly awake and unharmed.]

Sleep well?

[forethinking]

Never better.

(For once, Ren awakens in sheer peace and tranquility. It's been a fulfilling sleep, and slowly, he moves to sit and snake around the boy, burying his face in the crook of his neck.

Akechi smells nice, and his skin is still a little damp. Someone's had a busy morning.)

Did you?

[simulatio]

Dreamless, [he confirms. Pleasant dreams are a lot to ask for, and he rarely has those, but if he dreamed at all last night, he doesn't remember them at all. That's all he can ask for, it seems.

He exhales and shifts slightly on the bed to make it easier for Ren to wind his arms around him. It's dangerous not to be fully dressed near the other boy, but hopefully it's early enough, and he's still tired enough, not to get utterly... distracted.]

I brought you breakfast. You like spicy foods, yes?

[-Though, now he's second guessing himself. It's not like most coffee shops sell curry. Perhaps Ren only likes spice in curry, and the jalapeño-and-cheese bagel he'd bought after careful consideration of what he thought Ren's tastes to be was well off the mark.]

[forethinking]

(No dreams is a much better situation than the endless strings of nightmares that ended with a violent death. He'll take it, easily. Ren himself has dreamed of tending to a garden, separating flowers that could tell a delightful story when considered in order. It was more than pleasant, and the boy's aroma reminds him of it.

Ren squeezes, just a tad, pressing the gentlest kisses before he perks up at the mention of breakfast. Usually, Ren's in charge of that, but lately he's gotten more than his share of oversleeping to tend to everyone's appetite.

Good news for Akechi, Ren will definitely love his choice.)

They're my favorite. What did you get?

(Excited, he is!)